Steele, Anna J. 1853-1926

STEELE, CROSTON

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/18/2009 at 10:56:09

From: Le Mars Sentinel, April 30, 1926

MRS. STEELE SUCCUMBS

Following an illness of many months Mrs. Robert Steele a pioneer of Plymouth county, passed away at her home 33 Seventh Street SE, Tuesday evening about six o’clock. Mrs. Steele had been a sufferer from anemia and complications. During her long illness she was patient and uncomplaining and directed her thoughts towards others, seeking to lighten their burdens while making the best of her own affliction.

Mrs. Steele was one of the pioneer women, who by her life, sweetness of character and admirable sense of rectitude, set an example and spread an influence which is a heritage to her children and a lasting benefit to the community.

Anna J. Croston was born at Cascade, Iowa, on September 20, 1853, a daughter of John and Lettie Croston, Iowa pioneers, and was educated and grew up in her native place. She came to Plymouth county in 1871 and had made her home here ever since.

She was united in marriage with Robert Steele November 27, 1873. To them were born five children, Will W. Steele, of Ree Heights, S.D., Lee, Charles, Jesse and Mabelle, residing here. There are eleven grandchildren. She also leaves three sisters, Mrs. John Featherstone, of this city, Mrs. Len Lehner, of Brookings, S.D., Mrs. James Fagan, of Cascade, who has been with her sister for the past four months, and three brothers, James Croston, of Garretson, S.D., William and John Croston, of Cascade, Iowa.

EARLY HOMESTEADERS

Mr. and Mrs. Steele were among the first settlers in Plymouth county. They took up a homestead in section 30, Union township, where they lived for about ten years. They had also bought 160 acres of railroad land in Stanton township, where they made their home later for some years.

In 1882 they rented the farm and made a trip to Scotland, where they visited Mr. Steele’s old home and other places for a year. On returning to America they resumed farming in Stanton and later lived in America township where they developed a beautiful farm home and subsequently come to Le Mars. Mr. Steele died in July 1910.
During the early days of their settlement in Plymouth county the grasshoppers raided this section of the country and the Steeles with other pioneers had very hard times but kept on farming and since those days prospered and lived to profit by their toil and industry.

Mrs. Steele was a devoted wife and mother, and her fine qualities of mind and heart, gained her lifelong friendships and many feel her death as a personal loss. She was an active worker in the Presbyterian church and its societies.
The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at the First Presbyterian church, the services being conducted by pastor, Rev. J.A. Hills assisted by Rev. A.Z. McGogney, a former pastor of the church.

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